A Cooper-Pair Light-Emitting Diode: Temperature Dependence of Both Quantum Efficiency and Radiative Recombination Lifetime

Abstract

A light-emitting diode (LED) in the optical-fiber communication band showed special features after replacing the n-type electrode with niobium (Nb) superconducting metal. Nb electrodes prepared on an InGaAs-based semiconductor surface formed a superconductor/semiconductor/superconductor junction, and the current-voltage characteristics exhibited both DC and AC Josephson junction properties. This was a result of the injection of electron Cooper-pairs into the n-InGaAs active layer of an LED. The drastic enhancement of the electroluminescence output observed below the Nb superconducting critical temperature, Tc, demonstrates the active role of electron Cooper-pairs in radiative recombination. Lifetime measurements of this LED and accurate evaluation of the luminescence output made it possible to estimate the radiative recombination lifetimes. A theoretical formula derived for the Cooper-pair radiative recombination accurately describes both the measured steep reduction of the radiative recombination lifetime and the observed enhancement of the internal quantum efficiency below Tc. This work will assist the development of interdisciplinary physics and new applications in superconductivity and optoelectronics.